Mobile tool supply van for job sites
Drive a stocked van to construction sites and shops, selling tools and consumables straight to crews.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
5,967 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.1% in a year
NAICS 423710 “Hardware merchant wholesalers”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You stock a van with popular hand tools, power tool accessories, blades, bits and fasteners. On a regular route you visit job sites, framing crews and small shops so they can buy without leaving work.
Your first three steps
- Ride along or talk with contractors in your area to learn which items they run out of most
- Open wholesale accounts with a few distributors and price out a starter stock of fast-moving items
- Set up a van with shelving, register as a business, and plan a weekly route of 15 to 20 sites and shops
Who pays
Builders, remodelers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC crews and small repair shops.
How it makes money
You sell at a markup over your wholesale cost, often with account pricing for regular crews. Steady weekly visits and a well-chosen stock keep sales consistent.
Skills that help
- Sales and relationship building
- Knowing tools and what crews need
- Route planning and driving
- Inventory tracking
Watch out for
- Check your state's seller's permit or resale certificate and sales tax rules
- Check with your city or county for a local business license and any rules on selling from a vehicle
- Commercial auto insurance and general liability insurance, plus coverage for stock in the van
- Theft of tools from vehicles, so plan for security and tracking
- Slow-paying accounts if you offer credit, so consider payment on delivery at first
- Stock that does not sell ties up your cash
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: mobile tool supply van for job sites
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile tool supply van?
Estimates typically run around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on the van and how much stock you carry. Stock that does not sell ties up your cash, so plan your first order carefully.
What licenses and insurance should I check for selling tools from a van?
Check your state's seller's permit or resale certificate and sales tax rules. Check with your city or county for a business license and any rules on selling from a vehicle, plus commercial auto and general liability insurance.
How much can a mobile tool supply van earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $8,000 to $35,000, depending on your route, customers and stock. The idea assumes at least about 25 hours a week. Slow-paying accounts can strain cash if you offer credit.
Other ways to run this business
Online niche tool supplier for trades and shops
Run a home-based wholesale tool business for one trade, selling to contractors and small hardware stores.
- $3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Small warehouse tool wholesaler
Rent a small unit, stock tools in volume and supply local contractors, retailers and bulk buyers.
- $40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Similar trades ideas
Mobile sandblasting service
Bring blasting equipment to farms, shops and job sites to clean trailers, steel, equipment and masonry on location.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Electrical subcontractor crew for builders and remodelers
Lead a small crew wiring new builds, additions and tenant fit-outs for contractors and property owners.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Local glass block supply yard
Stock glass blocks and install materials in a small unit and supply local builders, masons and remodelers.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Mobile hose and fittings service van
Drive to farms, shops and job sites with hoses and fittings, cut to length and made up on the spot.
- $15k-60k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Playground supply and install company
Supply, deliver and build play equipment and safety surfacing for schools, parks and childcare centers.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Glass repair shop with workshop
Run a small shop or unit where customers bring glass, and you cut, repair and fit it on site or on the road.
- $15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises